Jefferson, who opted out of the final year of his contract Wednesday, has told close associates his top priority in free agency is to secure a new multi-year deal with the Spurs.

In a decision that stunned many NBA observers, the oft-maligned small forward turned down $15.2 million to enter the free-agent market, which opened for business Thursday. His agent, Todd Eley, said Jefferson made the move in the name of long-term security.

Jefferson, 30, hopes for a new, longer contract before the league's collective bargaining agreement is revamped next summer.

The Spurs are open to granting Jefferson's wish, so long as they can bring him back under a more salary cap-friendly deal. With their payroll still projected to be over the cap, the Spurs could be hard-pressed to find a suitable replacement for Jefferson on the open market.

Several NBA sources assume Jefferson and the Spurs had at least the framework of a new deal in place before his decision to opt out.

“It's the only reason for him to opt out,” one rival Western Conference executive said.

One unconfirmed report circulating the league Thursday had Jefferson discussing a three-year, $30 million deal with the Spurs. Another placed the terms at a more robust five years for $45 million, with the final season likely only partially guaranteed.

Eley insisted Thursday his client does not yet have a deal with any team. Jefferson is expected to meet with other clubs before finalizing his decision.

He has time to weigh his options. Though teams can talk to free agents now, players cannot sign until July 8.

With an excess of money swirling around the free-agent market as teams gear up for the LeBron James-Dwyane Wade-Chris Bosh sweepstakes, Jefferson is likely to wait to hear other offers before agreeing to a contract.

“There is a lot of opportunity out there,” Eley said.

Despite a rocky first season with the Spurs, in which he averaged 12.3 points after arriving in a much-heralded preseason trade with Milwaukee, there are signs Jefferson would welcome a return to San Antonio.

He has spent much of his summer in the Spurs' practice gym, working out personally with head coach Gregg Popovich. Before the season ended, Jefferson spoke often about looking forward to a second season in San Antonio, allowing him to feel more comfortable with the system.

BONNER WANTED: Not long after free agency opened Wednesday night, the Spurs called forward-center Matt Bonner to reiterate their desire to bring him back next season.

An unrestricted free agent, Bonner's preference is to return to San Antonio, where he spent the past four seasons. His camp also fielded calls from Dallas, Denver and Chicago in the opening hours of free agency.